One To Watch: Mitzi Ruhlmann

Words: Yen Mag |

January 11, 2017

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At five she knew she wanted to be an actor. By 11 she had an agent. Mitzi Ruhlmann is one determined lady. Having acted in shorts and Home & Away, next she plays the independent Romany in Aussie teen-horror Boys in the Trees.

How did you get into the character or Romany?
She’s super sassy, I just listened to a lot of Fiona Apple, Veruca Salt and Joni Mitchell and Garbage. It was fun.

What did you do in your downtime on set?
The boys were funny, they were always having fart competitions and giving each other wet willies. I think there was a lot more of that that I wasn’t privy to, but just goofing around.

When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
Forever. I asked my mum when I was five how people got on TV and she explained that you get an agent and I was like, “Okay cool, can I get an agent?” and she said, “No.” And it took me so many years of begging until I was about 11 and I finally got one as a Christmas present.

What changed your mum’s mind?
A friend of a friend was making a short film and she asked if my friend would like to audition for it and she said, “Definitely not but Mitzi will.” So I auditioned for it and got it and my mum realised that I actually might have a bit of talent [laughs].

Who would you love to work with?
Cate Blanchett. I know everyone says that, but she’s so amazing. Her as Bob Dylan in I’m Not There; I don’t think you can beat that. She’s still so prevalent and involved in the Australian industry, which I love.

Growing up, what films had the most impact on you?
I loved Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette. I really, really loved period films, so Joe Wright’s films were always very influential. A Royal Affair was incredible, I just loved being transported to another time. They were always on repeat.

How do you calm your nerves before an audition?
I wish I knew – I’m so bad. It is really scary but I guess it’s like being nervous before going on a date. If it’s a good date, then 10 minutes in, you’re fine.